The DHI-NVR5216-16P-I is part of Dahua’s WizMind AI series, engineered to deliver advanced real-time analytics, facial recognition, and perimeter defense for high-demand surveillance environments. It features a built-in AI processor capable of handling up to 22 face pictures/sec and 16 channels of perimeter detection, while also offering metadata-based search and smart motion filtering.
Key Features
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Real-Time AI Engine – Processes up to 22 face pictures/sec, supports 4 channels of face video recognition, and enables advanced perimeter filtering with 10 IVS rules per channel.
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16-Channel Perimeter Protection – AI-based human/vehicle recognition reduces false alarms.
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Advanced Face Recognition – Manage up to 20 face databases and 100,000 total images with personalized metadata (e.g., name, gender, ID).
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Video Metadata Extraction – AI-driven analytics for vehicles, non-motor vehicles, people, and facial features enable fast, smart investigations.
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Smart Motion Detection Plus (SMD+) – Filters irrelevant movement (leaves, animals) and triggers only actionable alerts.
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Fisheye Dewarping – Native support for distortion-free playback with customizable dewarping modes.
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Dual HDD Support – Holds up to 2x 10TB drives, perfect for long-term retention or multi-channel environments.
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Integrated PoE (16 ports) – Power and network up to 16 cameras directly; ports 1–8 support ePoE/EoC for long-distance runs.
Perfect For:
- High-security sites needing face-based access control
- Parking zones requiring license plate monitoring (ANPR)
- Warehouses using fisheye panoramic cameras
- Environments with low operator oversight relying on smart alerts
- Sites with long cable runs thanks to ePoE/EoC support
- Projects needing facial detection and metadata search for audits
Install Tips
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Enable Face Recognition Mode for fast access matching. Store known persons in the DB and set up alerts for unknown entries.
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Use Metadata Search to review videos based on clothing, vehicle type, or accessories (e.g., helmet, backpack).
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Balance Bandwidth – AI features lower max throughput. Disable channels selectively when full capacity is needed.
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Apply Dewarp Modes during setup to improve usability of fisheye camera zones.
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Optimize Storage using Smart H.265+ to significantly reduce recording file sizes.
Downloads
Quick-Read Specs Card
| Spec |
Details |
| Channels |
16 IP Cameras |
| Face Recognition |
4 video streams, 22 fps face capture, 20 DBs/100K faces |
| Perimeter Protection |
16 channels with 10 IVS rules each |
| Smart AI |
SMD+, Video Metadata, ANPR, People Counting, Dewarping |
| PoE Ports |
16 (Ports 1–8 support ePoE & EoC) |
| Recording Bandwidth |
Max 320 Mbps (160 Mbps with AI) |
| Compression |
Smart H.265+/H.265/Smart H.264+/H.264/MJPEG |
| Storage |
2× SATA III (up to 10TB each) |
| Audio/Video I/O |
1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 RCA in/out |
| Alarm I/O |
4 inputs / 2 outputs |
| USB Ports |
1× USB 3.0 (rear), 1× USB 2.0 (front) |
| Network |
1× RJ45 (10/100/1000 Mbps), 128 users |
| Interoperability |
ONVIF 2.4, SDK, CGI |
| Dimensions |
375 × 327.4 × 53 mm (1U) |
| Weight |
Net: 2.7 kg / Gross: 4.0 kg (excl. HDD) |
| Power Supply |
AC100V–240V; 130W PoE max; NVR <15.6W |
| Operating Temp |
-10°C to +55°C |
Extra Info
Advanced Face Intelligence
The NVR is equipped with enhanced facial recognition capabilities designed for high-security environments where identity verification is critical. This includes support for:
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Stranger Mode – Automatically identifies and flags individuals not present in the system’s face database, enabling real-time alerts for unauthorized persons.
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Customizable Similarity Thresholds – Set how closely a detected face must match the stored database, allowing fine-tuning for specific use cases such as VIP identification, visitor screening, or employee access control.
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Channel-Specific Database Mapping – Assign specific face databases to individual camera channels, allowing different rules and access policies per location (e.g., restricted vs. public zones).
This makes the system ideal for deployment in corporate campuses, government buildings, data centers, transportation hubs, and other regulated or secure facilities.
Metadata-Powered Forensics
The system supports deep metadata extraction and tagging, turning raw video footage into searchable, filterable intelligence. During both live monitoring and playback, users can extract and search for footage based on rich visual attributes, including:
This rich set of attributes allows for precise forensic searches—dramatically reducing investigation times in environments like transportation terminals, retail malls, and law enforcement operations.
Full AI Portfolio Compatibility
The NVR is fully compatible with Dahua’s WizMind series AI cameras and analytics suite. This includes support for:
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Stereo Analysis – Captures and analyzes human behaviors such as falling, loitering, fighting, and other abnormal activities, ideal for healthcare, education, and public spaces.
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People Counting – Tracks in/out traffic with zone-based statistics, commonly used in retail, commercial offices, and venue management.
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ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) – Records and analyzes license plates for vehicle management, gate control, and parking systems. Includes black/white lists, trigger events, and plate-based search.
This broad compatibility ensures that the NVR can function as the central brain of a comprehensive AI-driven surveillance ecosystem, offering flexibility and scalability for evolving security requirements.
Q&A
Q: What’s the difference vs. DHI-NVR5216-16P-I/L?
A: This model (I) supports up to 22 face images/sec, while the I/L supports 16. It’s more performance-oriented, especially for face recognition-heavy applications. Otherwise, specs are largely similar.
Q: Do I need AI-enabled cameras to use the AI features?
A: No. AI-by-NVR allows the recorder to process standard camera streams. But FD (face detection) cameras enhance performance.
Q: What happens when AI is turned on?
A: Inbound bandwidth drops from 320 Mbps to 160 Mbps—plan stream quality accordingly.
Q: Does it support mobile app alerts?
A: Yes. Use the DMSS app for remote monitoring and push notifications.
Q: Can I use this in a retail or school setting?
A: Yes. It’s suitable for retail traffic analysis, loitering detection, and secure school access control.